29 Apr Racing with Heart: Para Relay Teams Shine at T100 Singapore
Three weeks may have passed since the roar of the crowd and the final sprint across the finish line at T100 Singapore, but for many, the spirit of the race still burns brightly. Among the most inspiring stories were those of the para relay teams — a testament to courage, grit, and unbreakable spirit.
We sat down with two extraordinary athletes, Amsyar and Grace, who shared their journey of racing together and redefining what it means to compete with heart.
Meet the Athletes
Amsyar, a seasoned handcyclist from the Para Cycling Federation of Singapore, has spent over a decade pushing boundaries.
“I’ve been in the sport for about 12 to 13 years now,” he shares. “I signed up for the relay because I wanted to experience the triathlon world firsthand — and be part of something bigger.”
Grace, a passionate duathlete with nearly ten years of racing under her belt, brings a wealth of experience from both long and short course racing.
“I started off doing five Ironman 70.3 races in my first year,” she laughs. “Now I focus more on short course events and have raced T100 duathlons for the past two years. When Raphael reached out about joining a para relay team, it felt like such a meaningful cause — I couldn’t say no.”
The Road to Race Day
Training wasn’t without its hurdles, especially for Amsyar, whose preparations coincided with Ramadan.
“I had to adjust and mostly trained indoors on the bike trainer. Road rides weren’t possible. Balancing fasting and training was tough, but it made race day even more meaningful.”
Meanwhile, Grace adopted a heat-specific strategy.
“I deliberately ran during the hottest part of the day — midday — to condition myself for the heat we knew was coming on race day.”
It was a period of adaptation, discipline, and quiet resilience for both athletes.
Moments That Mattered
Race day delivered not just challenges, but also moments of awe and pride.
“Seeing my teammate complete the bike leg using only his arms — it blew me away,” Grace recalls. “He had told me he could put out 200 watts for a minute, and watching him climb Sheares Bridge six times… it was extraordinary. Especially knowing that even able-bodied cyclists have struggled there in past races.”
For Amsyar, the simple act of crossing the finish line with his team was a deeply emotional milestone.
“Despite the tough lead-up, finishing the relay with my teammates was unforgettable. It’s a memory I’ll always treasure.”
Beyond the Finish Line
The greatest takeaway from the T100 Singapore experience wasn’t about times or rankings — it was about spirit.
“Watching the para athletes push through every obstacle was beyond inspiring,” Grace says. “It reminded me that racing isn’t just about personal bests — it’s about perseverance, resilience, and community.”
Their journey shows that sport isn’t just measured in medals or minutes — it’s measured in heart.
A Race to Remember
The para relay teams at T100 Singapore didn’t just race — they redefined the meaning of victory. Through teamwork, determination, and sheer willpower, Amsyar, Grace, and their teammates showed that the strongest finish lines are crossed not with legs or wheels alone, but with heart.
As we look ahead to future editions of T100 Singapore, it’s stories like theirs that will continue to inspire the triathlon community and beyond.
